1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV): Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
BE STRONG and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go. He changes not; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is your Helper, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore, we will not fear. The LORD is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear? The LORD is the strength of our lives; of whom shall we be afraid?
Let us bless the LORD, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all our iniquities, Who heals all our diseases, Who redeems our lives from destruction, Who crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies our mouths with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Let us not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. We are of GOD and have overcome them, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world but he who believes that JESUS is the Son of GOD?
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of GOD rests upon you.
Remember, GOD has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the LORD JESUS, that the life of JESUS also may be manifested in our body. But fear not. GOD is with us, and He will help us. He will uphold us with His righteous right hand.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting GOD, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength.
Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
GOD knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future, and we know that all things work together to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. And if GOD be for us, who can be against us?
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season you shall reap if you do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Let us preach the word and do the work of an evangelist! Let us fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith! Let us be strong and of good courage; let us never give up and never give in, for JESUS is coming back quickly, and His reward is with Him, to give to every one according to his works.
So, let us watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, and let all that we do be done with love. Let us be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.
Above all, let us remember GOD is with us, JESUS is our STRONG ONE, and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.
